How often do you have lessons?
This coming year, lessons are going to take place every other week for 14 weeks per season. Lessons are normally 1/2 hour private lessons. Lots of times however, team members stay to watch their friends ride.
What do lessons look like?
Traditionally, lessons take place on Saturday afternoons, running from about 1-4pm. Each lesson is a 1/2 hour private, meaning there's only 1 horse and rider in the ring at a time. We do occasionally hold semi-private (or "group") lessons, but only for riders at a similar skill level who are comfortable in their ability to control their horse. Even though we only ask that each rider stay to watch either the lesson before or after theirs, everyone generally ends up staying a good portion of the day to hang out with their teammates and the ponies!
Do you compete?
While the overall goal of the team isn't to compete, riders are more than welcome to enter shows on their own.
Is it expensive? How much do I have to pay?
The reality is, horseback riding is an expensive sport. However, the overarching goal of our team is to create an affordable opportunity to students to be able to ride, without compromising safety or accessibility. The full price of one season (7 lessons + a team shirt) is $270, however we have payment plans and scholarships available, so don't let the initial cost turn you away!
Do I need to buy fancy gear (pants, boots, helmet, etc)?
We require that all riders wear United States Dressage Federation dress code approved attire. Just kidding! You absolutely do NOT need to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on riding clothes. The only requirement is close-toed shoes with a heal (cheap rubber boots are perfect). Helmets are provided by the barn.
Do I get to ride the same horse every lesson?
Horse assignments are determined by our lovely trainer, Jennifer Poulin. Each rider will typically learn to ride 2-3 horses through the season, depending on the lesson schedule and their skill level. The benefit to learning to ride on more than 1 horse is that riders are able to gain a larger skill set in a shorter amount of time, and gain confidence in their overall riding ability.
If you have your own horse and are interested for using them for the lesson, feel free! All horses are welcome given that they are UTD on Coggins, Rabies, and the set of 4/5/6-Way Immunizations. Emma often trailers her horse to lessons to ride with the team.
If you have your own horse and are interested for using them for the lesson, feel free! All horses are welcome given that they are UTD on Coggins, Rabies, and the set of 4/5/6-Way Immunizations. Emma often trailers her horse to lessons to ride with the team.
Do I get school "credit"?
Yes! Riders are eligible to meet 2 of the 3 "Health &Wellness" standards at Baxter Academy
- Decision Making & Goal Setting,
- Physical Fitness Activities & Knowledge
In order to meet these standards, each rider must participate in a full season of the equestrian team and fill out a Personal Wellness Plan.
- Decision Making & Goal Setting,
- Physical Fitness Activities & Knowledge
In order to meet these standards, each rider must participate in a full season of the equestrian team and fill out a Personal Wellness Plan.
What if I've never been on a horse before?
You're exactly who we're looking for! The main idea behind starting this team was to give students who haven't had the opportunity to ride horses an accessible and affordable chance to do so. Previous experience (or lack thereof) does not affect your ability to be on the team. All you need is the interest and enthusiasm to try something new!